CHICAGO - My Block, My Hood, My CityFounder and CEO Jahmal Cole has been selected to participate in the Facebook Community Leadership Program, one of 115 community leaders from around the world chosen for the program. Cole was selected from more than 6,000 applicants and will receive up to $50,000 for his community initiative, pending a project proposal developed in partnership with Facebook.

Facebook said it looked to “identify leaders with a strong, clear and committed vision for their community.” My Block is dedicated to breaking down barriers between people and overcoming the segregation and isolation that still plague Chicago.

“This group includes leaders with diverse perspectives from different parts of the world, but they share a common goal of helping their communities thrive,” Facebook said in announcing the participants, a list of which can be seen at https://communities.fb.com/program-participants/. “We know they will do great things over the next year and we’re excited to get started.”

Cole was selected for his work with block clubs in Chicago, including organizing volunteers who helped clean up blocks and make new block club signs.

“I’m thrilled to have been chosen and can’t wait to collaborate with Facebook,” said Cole. “I’m particularly excited to work with them on a plan to use technology that will extend My Block’s work in under-resourced communities.”

Besides the block club initiative, My Block has an Explorer’s program that is designed to expose youth from under-resourced communities to opportunities and experiences beyond their neighborhoods. To accomplish this, My Block takes students on explorations focused on STEM, arts and culture, community development and entrepreneurism. The goal is to help teenagers overcome the poverty and isolation they face, boosting educational attainment and providing them opportunities that make a difference in their lives.